Atlanta’s The Tam’s Biggest Hit

This track can be found on the “Singles Mixer Vol. 2” podcast.

Today’s Thanksgiving post comes courtesy of The Tams.  Hailing from Atlanta, GA “What Kind of Fool” was The Tams biggest hit.  After some success in the early 60’s on the Philly based Arlen label, The Tams moved over to ABC where they immediately hit gold with today’s record.  The Tams were surrounded by talent, their first LP was recorded at Muscle Shoals with the legendary Rick Hall and they were often produced by Joe South. Though they never charted the same way as today’s 45 they had a string of really wonderful 45’s while on ABC gaining popularity in soul circles if not on Billboards top 10.

Named for their signature Tam O’Shanter hat (which I guess is not a beret!) The Tams were of the well dressed, choreographed dance move mold and were (and evidently still are!) great performers and as is obvious on this record, outstanding musical talents.  The song itself has most of the music pushed to the back of the mix allowing the vocals to carry the weight of the song.

An easy to come by and affordable record, no reason you shouldn’t add it to the T section (or Atlanta section) of your collection.

Enjoy!